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DAVE ROSS

Two-year NFL ‘Deflategate’ nightmare appears to be nearing its end

Jul 13, 2016, 10:56 AM | Updated: 11:11 am

“Deflategate” appears to finally be coming to an end after New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s appeal over a four-game suspension was rejected by the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

The only recourse Brady has now is the Supreme Court.

“It seems to be the end of it,” 710 ESPN Seattle’s Danny O’Neil told ³ÉÈËXÕ¾ Radio’s Dave Ross. “It seems that a two-year national nightmare is about to end.”

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If that’s true, it would end an ongoing battle that began with accusations of cheating in the 2015 AFC Championship Game. Investigators eventually found the Patriots used underinflated footballs and that Brady was “generally aware” of the plan to use them.

The court’s action left intact a 2-to-1 ruling by a three-judge panel that found NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell acted within his powers by upholding the suspension of the star QB for his role in a scheme to doctor footballs used in the playoff game.

The decision affirmed wide-ranging powers given to the commissioner by the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement. It was a setback for organized labor groups arguing for due process in employee discipline.

The players association and Brady had requested that the three-judge panel reconsider the case or that all the 2nd Circuit judges hear arguments and decide anew.

As it stands right now, Brady will be suspended for the first four games of the upcoming season. He will lose money by being suspended, but O’Neil says Brady is not concerned as much about the paycheck.

“The income is less important than the footnote that he missed four games due to suspension,” he explained.

“He’s fighting for respect now,” Dave added.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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